Age of Responsibility

Tao is one of Mendez’s oldest brothers. He’s already well into his thirties and had looked out for the mischievious Mendez when they had both been much younger.
Riding two of their Father’s best horses, Tao leads Mendez to the area where he thinks the bandits must be hiding.
Mendez dismounts and starts to look around.
“Your very good at that.” Tao comments from astride his horse. “Father says your probably a greater swordsman than Uncle Mendoza too.”
Mendez looks up at his brother.
Tao’s still handsome, but the lines of responsibility are already showing on his face. Tao had taken over responsibility for several of their Father’s enterprises many years ago and has run them wisely, but Mendez can see the look of regret in his eyes.
“I’m pretty good now it’s true, but you know I only left because I knew you’d be here to keep our family safe.”
Just then Mendez hears the sound of thundering hooves.